NFL Conference Championship Round Flex Targets DraftKings 2017

Using the flex position wisely can allow you to differentiate and create unique lineups. Every week calls for different situations, sometimes pricing favors having a receiver at the flex, while other times it favors having a running back. Then there are weeks where playing two tight ends makes sense. It is really dependent on how you construct your rosters, but as usual, I will talk about players from each position that can be plugged into your flex spot.

Running Back

White comes with risk as he is not the lead back on this offense and Rex Burkhead is expected back this week, which could take some snaps away from White. That said, White is a very good pass catcher out of the backfield and the Patriots may need his services this weekend as they take on one of the better secondary’s we have seen in a while. The Jaguars allowed the fewest receptions, receiving yards, and fantasy points to opposing wide outs, so they could limit the Patriots receivers. However, they did allow 84 receptions for 659 yards and four touchdowns to opposing running backs, so this could be the way the Patriots attack this defense which would benefit White. In addition, he was a big part of their playbook in the post season last year and in the Patriots first playoff game against the Titans last week, White was peppered with seven targets. While he could easily have a limited role in this contest because it is the Patriots and one never truly knows, he also possesses nice upside at this price tag and the risk is worth the potential reward.

Fournette is going to be the most popular back on the slate and rightfully so. He is the only back who has consistently received 20+ touches per game for the majority of the season and he ran wild against the Steelers last week, rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries, while also catching 2-of-4 targets for 10 yards. Last week’s game marked his sixth consecutive game with 20+ touches. The matchup against the Patriots is one that favors him as they allowed over 100 rushing yards in five of their last eight games during the regular season. Fournette is not a big YPC running back, but the volume is through the roof. The one concern I have about Fournette this weekend is that there may be a point where the Jaguars are playing catchup, which would limit his upside, but being that this a two-game slate, that is a chance I am willing to take.

Wide Receiver

I am fully aware of how good this Jaguars secondary is and how dominant it has been at shutting down receivers, but we are talking about Tom Brady as the opposing here and something has to give. Last week Amendola was peppered with 13 targets and he could be in for another busy week as he has the best one on one matchup of all Patriots receivers. He is expected to see plenty of Aaron Colvin, who Amendola has an eight percent advantage rating against according to Pro Football Focus, which is the third highest of the week. Amendola was a big part of the Patriots game plan in the Super Bowl last year, receiving 11 targets and now was peppered with 13 targets in his first game of this post season. He and Brady have a strong chemistry and I could see Brady going to Amendola often again this week.

Stefon Diggs $6,900 at Philadelphia Eagles
Diggs is going to be popular without a doubt because of the game winning touchdown catch last week against the Saints. I was pretty keen on him last week and will be going back to the well this week. He draws a nice matchup against Jalen Hill who is a solid defender, but this is still a matchup the Diggs has an 11 percent advantage rating in according to Pro Football Focus, which is the second highest of the week. Going back to the regular season, Diggs has scored in four consecutive games and has topped 17 DK points in three straight. Although the Eagles have a ferocious pass rush and ended the season as one of the better defenses, they did give it up to receivers this season, allowing the eighth most fantasy points per game to the position. In addition, they surrendered seven of their 14 receiving touchdowns to receivers in the last five weeks of the season. Diggs offers a good combination of a floor and upside, making him a viable option in any format this weekend and someone to build your lineups around.

Tight End

Gronkowski found the end zone last week and caught 6-of-9 targets for 81 yards against the Titans. He has now received seven or more targets in five of his last six games, scoring four touchdowns during that stretch. The volume remains consistent for Gronk who continues to be a big part of this offense. Of all the tight ends this weekend, Gronk has the highest advantage rating at 18 percent. Even though the matchup is not ideal, there is no doubt that he is matchup proof and can have a big performance against anyone. It is worth noting that Gronk has now scored at least one touchdown in six consecutive post season games, including Super Bowls. He has slate breaking upside and is someone to strongly consider rostering despite the projected high ownership.

Good luck to all this week. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me on the Twitter machine: @Armando_Marsal